Upwork scams to watch out for as a freelancer
Upwork is a legit platform for finding freelance work online, but there are some bad apples out there that will try to scam you.
Today I’m going to talk about Upwork scams, the latest sneaky schemes that Upwork scammers are cooking up. They’re like chameleons, always changing their tactics to try and trick us freelancers. Whether you’re a new freelancer or a top freelancer, I’ve got your back.
In this post, I’ll share the top scams you need to watch out for on Upwork and give you some tips on how to avoid them. So, sit back, grab your popcorn, and fasten your seat belt, because we’re about to ride Fast and Furious like Vin Diesel through the world of Upwork scams!
Now examine each of these under a microscope.
1. Overpayment scam: Scammers may send you a payment for more than the agreed amount, most times without a definite task, and then ask you to refund the overpayment on a platform like Payoneer before the payment becomes available for withdrawal on Upwork. After you send the money, the client starts a dispute and gets a full refund, leaving you broke and possibly in debt. Clients also do this using fake checks .
2. Fake job postings: Scammers post job ads that look legitimate, but they’re actually fake. They may ask you to work without starting a contract. To prevent this, be cautious of low-paying jobs or jobs that sound too good to be true. Always research the client and verify their profile and past feedback from other freelancers.
3. The test work scam: This is when a client asks you to do a sample of your work before hiring you but never pays you for it. Sometimes they even use your work without your permission. This is when a client asks you to do some work for free as a favour, a test, or in exchange for exposure or future opportunities. They may promise to pay you later or give you a good review, but they never do. To avoid this scam, always value your time and skills and never work for free on Upwork. You can negotiate your rates and terms with the client.
4. Phishing scams: Scammers may send you emails that look like they’re from Upwork, asking you to click on a link and provide your login information. Don’t be fooled! Always double-check the email address, and never click on any links from unknown sources.
5. The shipping scam: This is mostly targeted at US freelancers and freelancers in first world countries. A client may ask you to receive or ship some items for them as part of the project, such as products, documents, or gifts. They may claim that they are out of town or out of the country and need your help with logistics. The items are usually stolen or illegal, and you may end up being liable for them or involved in criminal activity. Avoid this scam by never agreeing to receive or ship items for anyone on Upwork.
6. The off-platform payment scam: This is when a client suggests that you take the payment outside of Upwork, such as through PayPal, Stripe, or cryptocurrency. This is against Upwork’s terms of service and can result in your account being suspended or banned. It also exposes you to the risk of not getting paid at all, or getting charged back by the client. Always use Upwork’s payment system and escrow service to protect yourself from new client scams.
7. Identity theft: This is mostly targeted at US, Canada, UK freelancers and freelancers in first world countries. Scammers may ask for personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account information. Never give out your personal information, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
8. The payment for materials scam: This is when a client asks you to pay for some materials or supplies that are needed for the project, such as software licenses, equipment, or subscriptions. They may promise to reimburse you later or deduct it from your payment, but they never do. To avoid this scam, never pay for anything out of your own pocket on Upwork.
9. Job cancellation scams: The client hires you for a job and then cancels it after you’ve completed the work, without paying you. Always agree on payment terms and milestones before starting any work.
10. The malware scam: This is when a client sends you a link or an attachment that contains malware or viruses that can infect your computer or steal your information. They may disguise it as a project file, a contract, or an invoice. To avoid this scam, never click on suspicious links or open suspicious attachments from anyone on Upwork. Always use antivirus software and scan your computer regularly.
11. The dishonest work scam: This is when a client asks you to do something illegal, unethical, or fraudulent, such as writing fake reviews, creating fake accounts, hacking websites, or plagiarizing content. This can get you in trouble with the law, Upwork, and other parties involved. To avoid this, always follow Upwork’s TOC and be professional. Report any suspicious requests to Upwork.
12. The account sharing scam: This is mostly targeted at US, Canada, UK freelancers and freelancers in first world countries. This is when someone else asks you to use your Upwork account to bid on jobs or do work for them. They may offer you a percentage of the earnings or a flat fee for using your account. This is also against Upwork’s terms of service and can get your account suspended or banned. It also puts your reputation and security at risk, as you don’t know what kind of work they are doing or who they are working with. To avoid this scam, never share your Upwork account or login credentials with anyone.
As freelancers, we should always be vigilant and cautious while using Upwork or any other freelancing platforms. These online streets are full of scammers, and they’re just waiting for you to slip up. So, it’s time to put on your detective hats, do some research, and verify the identity of your clients. And for goodness’ sake, don’t ever give out your personal information or agree to work outside of the platform. If you smell something fishy going on, don’t wait around. Report that sneaky scammer to Upwork right away!
Remember, scammers are always trying new tricks, so stay vigilant and trust your instincts. And if you ever need help or advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here or contact the Upwork customer support team. Happy freelancing!
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